Josh Norris

Weekly Prospect Matchups

NFL Draft Watch: Week 9

Editor's Note: Rotoworld's partner FanDuel is hosting a $3,000 Fantasy College Football league for late Saturday games this week. It's just $10 to join and first prize is $600. Starts Saturday at 7pm ET. Here's the link.

Texas Tech vs Oklahoma, 3:30 EST on Fox

- Red Raiders are in the top 10 despite uncertainty at the QB position. Freshman Davis Webb has started the last two weeks, taking over for injured walk-on Baker Mayfield (knee).

- The key to Kliff Kingsbury’s offense is TE Jace Amaro. He is exactly what the NFL is looking for. A moveable receiver that wins at the catch point. He flashes some Jimmy Graham type post up moves.

- Amaro is my top prospect at the position, and I’m glad we’ve seen him inline this season. He is a willing blocker who can match up with corners, safeties, and linebackers. Tyler Eifert went with pick No. 21, and Amaro might be a more fluid mover.

See where Amaro and other listed prospects fit in Josh Norris' updated Top-32

UCLA vs Oregon, 7:00 EST on ESPN

- This opens a difficult two game stretch for the Ducks, a pivotal portion of their season on the road to the BCS Championship.

- UCLA QB Brett Hundley is frequently mentioned among the top draft-eligible QBs like Bridgewater, Mariota, and Manziel, but I don’t think he deserves to be there. Yes, his physical tools are desirable, but he leaves the pocket too often after dropping his eyes. Lacking poise.

- You would think a mobile quarterback that likes to stretch the defense with his feet would be more accurate on the move… but Hundley isn’t. He misses open receivers and makes poor decisions under duress. There are flashes, but that is it.

- The Oregon defense will likely attack an injured UCLA offensive line, and that could open opportunities for stud CB Ifo Ekpre-Olomu.

Penn State vs Ohio State, 8:00 EST on ABC

- Penn State might have lost to UCF and Indiana, but they have some very talented prospects. True freshman Christian Hackenberg already has the NFL look to him, and receiver Allen Robinson makes plays on the edge.

- Ohio State CB Bradley Roby needs to recover from his dreadful performance against Wisconsin a few weeks ago, so expect him to see plenty of time opposite Robinson.

- We’ve talked about Braxton Miller’s inconsistencies, but RB Carlos Hyde has been on a tear since returning from suspension. He’s a bulldozer back showing explosion on contact while averaging 6.2 yards per carry. The Buckeyes are slowly working Jordan Hall back into the mix as well.

- Mariota has yet to throw an interception this season. I say it week in and week out, but he doesn’t get enough credit for being a poised passer that can win from the pocket.

- MM is not the typical Oregon QB. He is not just a runner that completes short passes. He throws with accuracy to multiple levels of the field, has a downfield arm, and makes quick decisions. He has a legitimate chance to be the No. 1 pick.

Winston

- Boy was I wrong. Last week I said we hadn’t seen enough of Winston. There haven’t been enough exposures. Blah blah blah. He is the real deal.

- Last week against Clemson, Tajh Boyd looked rattled, missing targets and making poor decisions. Winston was patient when he needed to be, seemingly in full command of the offense. Florida State fans are more comfortable with Winston than they ever with with EJ Manuel.

Manziel

- Johnny Manziel was apparently in a sling during Monday’s practice after sustaining an injury to his throwing shoulder. He is expected to play, but obviously he might not be fully healthy.

- I think voters realize Manziel is dealing with a terrible defense, but what if they lose again? Is he out of the race completely? LSU looms in November.

Editor's Note: Rotoworld's partner FanDuel is hosting a $3,000 Fantasy College Football league for late Saturday games this week. It's just $10 to join and first prize is $600. Starts Saturday at 7pm ET. Here's the link.

Texas Tech vs Oklahoma, 3:30 EST on Fox

- Red Raiders are in the top 10 despite uncertainty at the QB position. Freshman Davis Webb has started the last two weeks, taking over for injured walk-on Baker Mayfield (knee).

- The key to Kliff Kingsbury’s offense is TE Jace Amaro. He is exactly what the NFL is looking for. A moveable receiver that wins at the catch point. He flashes some Jimmy Graham type post up moves.

- Amaro is my top prospect at the position, and I’m glad we’ve seen him inline this season. He is a willing blocker who can match up with corners, safeties, and linebackers. Tyler Eifert went with pick No. 21, and Amaro might be a more fluid mover.

See where Amaro and other listed prospects fit in Josh Norris' updated Top-32

UCLA vs Oregon, 7:00 EST on ESPN

- This opens a difficult two game stretch for the Ducks, a pivotal portion of their season on the road to the BCS Championship.

- UCLA QB Brett Hundley is frequently mentioned among the top draft-eligible QBs like Bridgewater, Mariota, and Manziel, but I don’t think he deserves to be there. Yes, his physical tools are desirable, but he leaves the pocket too often after dropping his eyes. Lacking poise.

- You would think a mobile quarterback that likes to stretch the defense with his feet would be more accurate on the move… but Hundley isn’t. He misses open receivers and makes poor decisions under duress. There are flashes, but that is it.

- The Oregon defense will likely attack an injured UCLA offensive line, and that could open opportunities for stud CB Ifo Ekpre-Olomu.

Penn State vs Ohio State, 8:00 EST on ABC

- Penn State might have lost to UCF and Indiana, but they have some very talented prospects. True freshman Christian Hackenberg already has the NFL look to him, and receiver Allen Robinson makes plays on the edge.

- Ohio State CB Bradley Roby needs to recover from his dreadful performance against Wisconsin a few weeks ago, so expect him to see plenty of time opposite Robinson.

- We’ve talked about Braxton Miller’s inconsistencies, but RB Carlos Hyde has been on a tear since returning from suspension. He’s a bulldozer back showing explosion on contact while averaging 6.2 yards per carry. The Buckeyes are slowly working Jordan Hall back into the mix as well.

- Mariota has yet to throw an interception this season. I say it week in and week out, but he doesn’t get enough credit for being a poised passer that can win from the pocket.

- MM is not the typical Oregon QB. He is not just a runner that completes short passes. He throws with accuracy to multiple levels of the field, has a downfield arm, and makes quick decisions. He has a legitimate chance to be the No. 1 pick.

Winston

- Boy was I wrong. Last week I said we hadn’t seen enough of Winston. There haven’t been enough exposures. Blah blah blah. He is the real deal.

- Last week against Clemson, Tajh Boyd looked rattled, missing targets and making poor decisions. Winston was patient when he needed to be, seemingly in full command of the offense. Florida State fans are more comfortable with Winston than they ever with with EJ Manuel.

Manziel

- Johnny Manziel was apparently in a sling during Monday’s practice after sustaining an injury to his throwing shoulder. He is expected to play, but obviously he might not be fully healthy.

- I think voters realize Manziel is dealing with a terrible defense, but what if they lose again? Is he out of the race completely? LSU looms in November.

Josh Norris is an NFL Draft Analyst for Rotoworld and contributed to the Rams scouting department during training camp of 2010 and the 2011 NFL Draft. He can be found on Twitter .Email :Josh Norris